Property conversion that takes the cream

ONE hundred years ago, this substantial stone building would have echoed to the sound of dairy workers going about their business.

Now it is a welcoming home with a distinctly French flavour, situated in a rural idyll with a stream running alongside.

All manner of birds, insects and animals enjoy the beauty and peace of the surroundings, occasionally venturing from their natural habitat in neighbouring fields into the neatly manicured gardens of Lower Bank House Farm, Barkisland.

The former dairy was converted into a home three decades ago, and its relaxing location and spacious layout captivated owners David and Georgina Lane, who have lived there for four-and-a-half years.

“It was one of those situations where you move in, and think it’s smashing, and say you won’t need to do anything to it, and then take it apart from top to bottom,” says Mr Lane.

“It needed updating. The biggest thing we have done is open up the ceilings and exposed the beams. We have double-insulated the rooms where we can, so you get the benefit of the height without losing the heat.

“There is also a large fireplace in the lounge which we put in last year – we went down to a stone reclamation yard and went round, uncovering door lintels in the snow.

“We cleaned up the stone with a pressure washer and created the fireplace, which is beautiful.”

The couple’s vision has meant that the single-storey building has been transformed from a comfortable but somewhat out-dated home into a stunning residence which oozes style and sophistication.

The first major job they undertook was to turn a garage which they felt was at the wrong end of the property into a spacious kitchen which would encourage the creative juices of many a keen cook to flow.

“There’s a beautiful gas range that looks like an original Yorkshire range,” says Mr Lane. “We have had elderly relatives here talking about how they used to have one – but it is actually gas. And it’s glorious, especially in winter.”

The property flows, just like the stream that meanders along outside. The kitchen and family room leads to the dining room and that leads to the sitting room, with the double doors that separate the rooms being flung open easily for celebrations.

Mr Lane says: “It is a terrific party house. When we have all the family together it really does lend itself to entertaining.”

The couple have been married for 11 years and have each put their stamp on previous properties that they have owned. But Lower Bank House Farm, like their previous shared Georgian home in Lightcliffe, near Halifax, has been given the benefit of their pooled creativity, with its renovation combining modern convenience with traditional trappings that are sympathetic to its age.

Mr Lane says: “Everyone who walks in here has found it hard to believe that it has not been like this since 100 years ago.”

But family and friends are not the only visitors who enjoy the welcoming feel of the surroundings. Heron, deer, kingfishers and stoats are among the more reticent and fleeting garden guests but Mr Lane says: “We have ducks tapping on the patio window – and the brook is full of brown trout.”

The sitting room has an elegant yet rustic feel, reminiscent of a French farmhouse. Steps lead down to the snug, a cosy and relaxing room from which to access the patio and garden.

The layout of the house is such that two of the bedrooms, off the family room – which the Lanes use as guest accommodation – could be turned into a suite for a teenager or for an elderly relative to have their own privacy while having access to the main living space. The remaining three bedrooms are at the opposite end of the house, with two of them having en suite facilities.

New kitchen units and appliances have been added within the last two years, giving the heart of the home a clean and contemporary look, while the traditional appeal of a country kitchen is highlighted by the presence of a brick-tiled chimney breast that houses the Rangemaster gas stove.

It’s a perfect retreat for people with a love of the countryside. And for anyone with a keen interest in horse riding, the property has stables, a workshop, all-weather menage and fenced grazing.

Lower Bank House Farm is for sale with VG Estate Agent, 119a Halifax Road, Ripponden HX6 4DA. The asking price is £585,000. For more details ring 01422 822277 or visit www.houses.vg